Ben Roethlisberger?

I saw this a few days ago, and didn't post then because it seems pretty speculative, and not very substantive. However, in the last couple of days, posts in a few of the threads have gotten pretty chippy, so I thought this might mix up the discussion a bit.

I'm not sure the idea of giving up what you'd need to give up in order to get a 32 year old stopgap is all that great, but it would definitely lock down the position for at least next year. Presumably it would also come with a 1 or 2 year extension.

source

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Ben Roethlisberger Trade Market Rumors

Published Jan. 24, 2013*
By Charlie Campbell -*@draftcampbell*

Like last year, this draft doesn't feature an elite quarterback prospect such as Andrew Luck, Cam Newton or Matthew Stafford. Thus, some of the quarterback-needy teams at the top of draft are considering the veteran quarterback market for a solution to their problem. The turnaround success of the Chiefs after trading for Alex Smith last season serves as an example of what a veteran quarterback can do for a team.*

One quarterback to keep an eye on for a potential trade market is Steelers veteran Ben Roethlisberger.*

Roethlisberger turns 32 in March and is entering the final year of his contract. Sources have told WalterFootball.com that there is some reluctance of the Rooney family to give Roethlisberger another big contract. Pittsburgh has had a history of letting pricey veterans leave when they hit the later years of their career, and Roethlisberger's off-the-field issues haven't been forgotten by ownership. At 32 years old, this is Pittsburgh's last shot at having quality trade value for him. The Steelers also have an aging defense that needs to be rebuilt, and they could decide to start a youth movement in Pittsburgh.*

In speaking to Roethlisberger's camp, their priority is for him to re-sign with the Steelers and they want him to finish his career in Pittsburgh. However, they also want a big pay day. They want Roethlisberger to be paid like the other top quarterbacks in the NFL, and they know that this is his last shot at a big contract in Roethlisberger's career. If the Steelers aren't willing to pay it, they would be willing to look elsewhere for it.*

Teams that WalterFootball.com has heard could be interested in trading for Roethlisberger include the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals. The Texans selection at the top of the second round and a 2015 conditional pick could mimic what the Chiefs gave for Alex Smith last year. Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians coached Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh, and Arizona could use Roethlisberger to put the Cardinals over the top to get into the postseason in the NFL's toughest division.*

A trade market for Roethlisberger hasn't started started cooking yet, but the ingredients are in place. There are interested teams, a pricey contract and reluctant ownership. Once the contract negotiations begin, don't be surprised if trade discussions pick up some steam.*
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